Gulf escalation: UAE hits Iranian facility in first strike of conflict
Photo: UAE strikes Iran for the first time (Getty Images)
The United Arab Emirates has carried out its first strike against Iran since the start of the Middle East conflict. A water desalination plant came under attack, according to Ynet.
According to the outlet, the UAE attacked an Iranian water desalination facility in response to earlier Iranian strikes. Analysts say the move is likely meant as a signal to Tehran, and the UAE may join the US-Israeli campaign only if Iranian attacks escalate further.
Since the start of the war, Iran has repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Persian Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Initially, Iranian officials claimed they were targeting only American bases, but missiles and drones also reportedly struck civilian sites.
In particular, the building housing the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi was damaged, and two Israelis sustained minor injuries.
At the same time, the UAE — widely seen as the economic hub of the Persian Gulf — is concerned not only about security threats but also about potential damage to its image as a preferred destination for international business.
According to the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), over the past week, Iran launched 941 drones, 189 ballistic missiles, and eight cruise missiles toward the UAE.
Iran’s strikes on neighboring countries
Earlier reports said that in response to attacks by Israel and the United States, Iran has launched large-scale strikes against several neighboring countries.
Iran’s “retaliatory strikes” have targeted nearly every country along its borders, with even distant Cyprus coming under threat. Tehran has already launched more than 800 missiles and 2,000 drones.
Among Iran’s many neighbors, only Armenia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan have so far avoided attacks. However, the chaotic nature of Iran’s strikes means there are no guarantees these countries will not become targets in the future.
Tehran has also deliberately escalated tensions even with countries that initially expressed skepticism about the US operation. As a result, Iran has already turned several Arab monarchies against itself.
